Have you every been minimally punished for something that you did and everyone knew about? I know that I have, and I have taken that approach with my sons for their actions.
We will not always do that which is right. We are human and therefore are fallible. I know that I have made many mistakes and will continue to do so. I remember a time that each of my sons did something that was not in the best interest of those around him and instead of bringing down the rain of my authority and power, we took a teaching approach and displayed love for them that they were able to embrace and understand the err in their actions to the tune of learning and working to avoid that error again. You do know that God takes the same approach with us as His children?
“10Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. 11For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.” – Isaiah 48:10-11 (ESV)
God gives us the opportunities to do right by Him. He allows us to be in situations where we have the chance to do the right thing and make the decisions on our own. I know that I have been in many situations, and will continue to, where I have the choice to do God’s work or turn away from Him. Like being at the doctor’s office and seeing someone crying for what I can only presume is news they are not happy to receive. I took the opportunity to pray for them and for God’s hand in the situation. I did not say anything to the person, just prayed quietly for them. That was an opportunity for God’s Glory to shine. I had the chance to do His work and took it, although I cannot say that I do that every time.
I am a child of God and He loves me regardless of my faults and falters. I have similar opportunities each day and some I see and take and others I miss or ignore. You see, God knows my heart and only wants for His glory. If He were to destroy me for my misses, I would have been gone a long time ago. He loves me and knows that I will falter. And when I do, He loves me all the more. I am still responsible for the choices that I make, but God loves me all the same to bring glory to Himself through the love and compassion that He is.
I don’t deserve the love and compassion that God heaps on me daily, but He provides them for me in spite of me all for His glory to be shone through for all to see.
What do you have in your past that you cannot believe you were not punished to the full extent for? Are you even aware that you were given glory in spite of your indiscretion? What if you approached each day with the goal of bringing glory to God and allowing Him to love you in spite of yourself?
Trevor's Thoughts 